No WiFi. No problem. Here’s how to keep everyone laughing without the apps.

Family trips are supposed to be fun. But between flight delays, cranky toddlers, and moody teens, it’s easy to hand everyone a screen—and call it a day.

Here’s a better way: skip the WiFi and use a few screen-free tools to actually connect. Whether you’re road-tripping or stuck in a hotel room, these ideas help make the trip less stressful and more memorable.

Why WiFi-Free Fun Matters on Family Trips

Screens are part of modern travel. That’s not the issue. The problem is what happens without one.

Maybe your child’s tablet dies. Maybe you’re stuck in traffic. Maybe the hotel WiFi is down. Or maybe—just maybe—you want to spend real time together without scrolling.

That’s when boredom hits. Tension rises. And someone says, “There’s nothing to do.”

This is exactly why I started creating printable, low-prep travel games. Because fun family trips should be about the stories you create together—not just the photos you scroll through afterward.

When you’ve got a few no-WiFi games on hand, even long waits or quiet nights can turn into real moments of fun. No extra gear. No complicated setup. Just connection.

Screen-Free Games for All Ages

These games were made for real families: little kids, big kids, distracted teens, and the adults trying to hold it all together. They’re easy to explain, quick to play, and way more fun than handing over a screen (again).

Travel Bingo: For Real-Life Fun Family Trips

This is not your usual bingo. This version is made for real moments on the road, at the airport, or just walking around the city. Each square prompts you to notice something—and snap a photo. No internet required.

By the end of the trip, you’ll have a fun little collection of photos—like a mini travel album you didn’t have to plan.

Themes include:

• Airport Edition
• Road Trip Edition
• City Sightings

Optional: Laminate the cards and use dry-erase markers to play again on your next trip.

📧 Want the first printable when it’s ready? Join the list here.

Would You Rather?

Perfect for road trips, rest stops, or while waiting for food. This game works for all ages and often leads to the loudest laughs.

Try questions like (the weirder, the better):

• Would you rather eat ice cream with ketchup or pizza with peanut butter?
• Would you rather ride in a submarine or fly in a hot air balloon?
• Would you rather sit next to a snoring stranger or a crying baby on a 12-hour flight?

No winners, no points—just weird answers and shared laughter.

Story Chain

One person starts a story with a single sentence. Everyone else adds to it, one line at a time.

It can be silly, spooky, or completely ridiculous (the messier, the better).

“A squirrel just boarded our plane with a tiny suitcase…”

Then it’s up to the group to keep the story going—twist by twist.

You can play this in the car, at the hotel, or while waiting for food. No setup, no supplies—just imagination, giggles, and a few unexpected plot twists.

Name That Tune (No Phone Edition)

This one’s a go-to for us. One person hums or whistles a song—everyone else tries to guess.

You can set themes like TV intros, 90s hits, or songs from a recent family trip. Bonus points if someone starts dancing.

It’s simple, funny, and works anywhere—from long car rides to late hotel nights.

When You’re Stuck Indoors: Hotel or Rainy Day Ideas

Not every moment on a trip is an adventure. Sometimes you’re just tired, rained in, or waiting for the next thing. These activities help you make the most of the downtime.

Family Movie Night

Pick one movie. Rotate turns. Order food. Make a blanket fort.

It’s not fancy, but it turns a slow night into something cozy and shared.

Memory Journaling

Ask each person: What was your favorite moment today?

Let them draw, doodle, or write. These turn into memory pages you’ll look back on.

A printable travel journal with daily prompts is coming soon. Interested? Let me know here.

Flexible Games: Indoors or Outdoors

DIY Scavenger Hunt

Quick, no-printer version. Ask family to find:

• Something round
• A snack we’ve never tried
• A word in another language

You can do this in a hotel hallway, park, or rest stop. Make it silly or themed for extra fun.

Low-Prep Outdoor Fun (No Tour Tickets Required)

• Photo Challenge: Each person snaps a funny or creative selfie during the trip—at landmarks, in line at the airport, inside the car, or wherever you are. Vote on the funniest one at the end of the day.
• Walk + Talk: Go for a walk and let each family member choose where to turn next. It adds a bit of surprise to your route, and you might hear stories you wouldn’t hear in the car.
• Simple Ball Games: Bring a frisbee, soft ball, or jump rope.

Pack Like a Team Captain

The best fun family trips start with a little planning—and a lot less guessing.

Our Ultimate Family Packing List was made for real families traveling with kids, seniors, and even pets. It’s one simple, printable tool to help you pack smarter and feel more prepared.

What’s inside:

• Essentials-only master list
• Sub-lists by age group (babies, teens, seniors, pets)
• A “Team Captain” checklist for the one packing for everyone
• Editable + print-ready layout

Also check out our Carry-On Kit for stress-free airport days.

Why Trust This List?

I’ve planned fun family trips with three generations, zero backup, and medical gear in my suitcase. I’ve booked dialysis abroad, managed tight connections, and kept things together when nothing went as planned.

These aren’t Pinterest-perfect tips. They’re real tools I’ve used to keep our trips smoother, lighter, and (mostly) joyful—even with a full to-pack list and a tired crew.

If you’re the one who prints the boarding passes, tracks everyone’s meds, and gets blamed when someone forgets socks—you’re not alone. This is for you.

Final Thoughts: Fun Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy

The best family memories aren’t made at the most expensive resort. They’re made when someone yells BINGO! in the car, or when you laugh over a ridiculous scavenger hunt find.

Fun family trips don’t need WiFi or a packed itinerary—just a few simple tools, a little intention, and space to enjoy each other.

📌 Coming Soon: Travel Bingo Printable
Want a screen-free way to keep everyone—from toddlers to teens—entertained?

Be the first to get Travel Bingo. Join the waitlist here.